Norwich interested in O’Neill

Norwich are interested in Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill but are yet to approach the Irish FA, Sky sources understand.

Although O’Neill has long-term ambitions of club management, Sky Sports News HQ understands he is unlikely to leave his current role before Northern Ireland’s fate in World Cup qualifying is known.

O’Neill’s team are in a strong position to reach their first World Cup since 1986 and under his leadership have been transformed from a team with unwanted records to being ranked in the top 26 in the world.

The former Newcastle midfielder, who has consistently distanced himself from club jobs while in his current role, still values loyalty to his employers.

O’Neill has previously spoken publicly against the sacking culture of some clubs, having experienced first hand the benefits of time to work with players.

However, Norwich is a club with a proven record of backing managers over a sustained spell and is the type of job that could appeal to him in the future.

O’Neill signed a four-year contract extension with the Irish FA in March 2016 which includes a release clause fee of £550,000 for Sky Bet Championship clubs and £750,000 for Premier League clubs.